MoCRiS a low-cost stratospheric balloon platform to measure the particle flux of cosmic ray showers in the high atmosphere

In June 2019 from the region of Calabria (Italy) our group launched the Stratospheric Balloon MoCRiS (Measurement of Cosmic Ray in Stratosphere) that reached up to 35111 meters. MoCRiS is a didactical project that uses a Light Balloon with a payload of only 2.1 Kg payload box included. The capsule was Lithium-ion batteries operated and fully instrumented with two Hi-Res Camera, one for picture and one for video, GPS Tracker, two Particle detectors, and sensors for temperature and pressure. Two ArduSiPM [6] scintillation detectors, made by the INFN group in Rome, were used as cosmic ray flux meters. The technology used for these types of devices makes them very economical, light (<150 g), and with low power consumption (<1 Watt). These characteristics are optimal for use with the balloon and in space (e.g. in CubeSat), and very attractive for educational use, even on the ground. During the school year, the students of the scientific high school "Stefano Patrizi" of Cariati (CS) Italy, participated in the definition of the project following theoretical and practical lessons on aerospace techniques and particle physics with regard to cosmic ray showers in the atmosphere. The mission was completely successful by experimentally verifying the pressure-to-height relation, the height of the thermal inversion in the atmosphere, reaching and exceeding the maximum Regener-Pfotzer level of the shower development. The instrumental and didactic platform created is easily replicable even with further upgrades. We are expanding the collaboration with other schools for further launches.